The Vegan Guide to Oxford

Kake, 18 May 2000

This is a vegan coffee-lover's heaven. Situated on the first floor of the main Blackwell's shop at the [King's Arms]? end of [Broad Street]?, it offers a wide choice of espresso-based coffees...all of which can be made with soya milk! The company behind the coffee shop is Goodbean, and I'm told by their head office that soya milk is available in all their branches, and that looking at new vegan products is one of their priorities.

Cappucino starts at £1.45 and Mocha at £1.75. The Mocha is made with Ghiradelli's yummy dark chocolate syrup, which is vegan — I've seen the packet. Make sure they don't put whipped cream on, though.

The only vegan food on offer is the Hummous and Bell Pepper Sandwich (£2.50 eat-in, £2.10 take-away), and a member of staff told me that they are usually sold out by around 1:30pm, unfortunately. However, this is a lovely place to sit and sip a coffee, on your own or with friends. There's a variety of seating areas; bars with tall stools, cafe-style tables with butterfly chairs and sofas to snuggle up on. Large windows let in plenty of light to add to the airy atmosphere, and a separate little room at the back, with windows onto Broad Street, offers a little more privacy. Several bookcases offer a selection of books from around the store, to browse while you recaffeinate.